Tagore nerve lands teacher in trouble

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Silchar Aug. 17: An associate professor of Assam Central University has landed himself in a spot by objecting to the use of a Rabindranath Tagore song, calling it “not appropriate”, for a function in a central university.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Somenath Dasgupta, last night said he has ordered a probe by a three-member committee comprising senior professors with the pro vice-chancellor and a professor of physics department, Ramendu Bhattacharjee, at its head and expected results in three days.

He called the action of Tinepally Hari, an associate professor of political science department, “uncalled for and unacceptable”.

The professor had objected to the Tagore song Aguner Parashmani Choao Prane from Gitabitan as an introductory hymn at the freshers function. It is, however, not known why he denied the use of the song but according to sources, his objection was based on the use of a Bengali song to open a function in a central university.

As dissent against the professor’s action gathered momentum, vice-chancellor Dasgupta withdrew his earlier order that gave the responsibility to investigate the matter to a professor of political science with a deadline of a month and replaced it with a more comprehensive committee.

Dasgupta said he was deeply hurt by the insensitive behaviour of his colleague in a university where a statue of Tagore is the landmark.

Last night, at a gathering here, many prominent citizens of Cachar district demanded a probe into this “shameful” event at the university and demanded steps against the professor.

The Sammilita Sanskritik Mancha convened the meeting that was attended by college and schoolteachers, lawyers, cultural activists and intellectuals. Taimur Raja Choudhury, a journalist and president of the Barak valley Banga Shahitya and Sanskritic Samity, who was among those present in the meeting, demanded an unconditional apology from the professor.